Honoring a Legacy. Empowering Futures Through Education.

April Lynn Elder, affectionately called ‘Sweets,’ blessed the world with her presence on August 8, 1980, in Columbus, GA to parents Benjamin Elder (Ruby) and Dr. Beverly Norman McCray (Lester). With her beautiful smile and caring compassionate spirit, she was the sparkle and joyful delight to her parents, her sister and best friend, Dr. LaJune Elder Oliver, family and friends. 

She was a faithful Christian, devoted mother to her son, Sebastian, wonderful daughter, loving sister to LaJune, Ronald ‘Ronnie’, and Whitney, and best aunt to Craig ‘CJ’, Kayla “Abby” and Kaven. She was a dedicated federal employee, loyal and trustworthy friend, and kind, virtuous young woman with a compassionate heart.

Faith & Family

April was reared in a Christian home and loved Jehovah God. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized early on during her spiritual journey. Christian values, serving God and studying the Bible were emphasized in her young life and she continued to uphold these godly principles throughout her life. Through the years, she attended various places of worship, and served faithfully. She served as a Youth Elder, Christian Education teacher, Children and Youth Advisor.

Her desire and determination as a mother was to bring up her son, Sebastian, in the ways of the Lord. She made sure that he served God and was actively engaged in children and youth activities. Family remained important to April, both her immediate and extended. As loving as she was to others, it all paled in comparison to her love and devotion to her son, Sebastian. She instilled values of integrity, hard work, and perseverance. She modeled and encouraged him to have concern for others, to be a good friend, and to remain committed to whatever task was before him.

From little league football, basketball and soccer to his present love of high school football, April could be heard and seen at every game. Whether cheering encouragement to him and his teammates or consoling him after a tough loss, she was always there. She was actively involved in his school life and was the consummate football, basketball and classroom mom. April, along with Sebastian’s Dad “ Rock”, always lovingly did their best in caring for their son. During her developmental years & throughout her life, she had an endearing & special bond with her Grandma Kate who was most influential in her life!

A Passion for Education

Education was important to April and she excelled throughout her formative years during elementary, middle and high school. Throughout her school years, she was an honor student and participated in numerous school and community activities, including Girl Scouts. She was president of the Student Council at Sutton Middle School and was a popular, outgoing all-around good student. She made friends easily and enjoyed having sleepovers and swimming parties.

While at Mays High School, she was an honor student, student government leader, captain of the cheerleader squad and voted on the Queen’s court as Miss Mays. She was also a Grady Teen Program participant, a debutante, member of Kappa Pearls, and a state science fair winner. After graduating in 1998 from Mays High School located in Atlanta, April attended Albany State University, graduating with honors after her four years there. Her thirst for education led her to earn her Masters’ degree at age 23 from Central Michigan University.

Career & Legacy

April always valued work and her independence, starting to work part-time while in high school. As a dedicated, loyal and committed worker, she worked for the Social Security Administration for 22 years. April’s personality and love for people uniquely qualified her to work as a Human Resource Specialist, and she served in a leadership role with responsibility for several state divisions. She garnered the love and respect of her colleagues, maintained excellent rapport and loved serving her clients. When making decisions, she would pray and seek God's direction. She received awards and recognitions for her outstanding work ethic, meritorious performance and excellent interpersonal skills and relationships.

Her inner beauty and sweet spirit surpassed April’s outer beauty. She loved unconditionally, served graciously, gave generously, cared immensely and lived life to the fullest. With a warm smile, and a kind and generous heart, she left an indelible impression on all who knew her. Her compassion and genuine kindness attracted others to her. She loved traveling and exploring the world with friends and family. April’s personality and warmth allowed her to make friends easily and she warmly embraced people of all walks of life.

While on a weekend trip to Los Angeles to help a friend, after her flight from her home in Atlanta, she suddenly developed a Pulmonary Embolism (blood clot in her lungs) that left her comatose for 2 weeks. She transitioned peacefully on December 17, 2021.